“If Jesus came to Italy, Maroni wouldn’t let him in”

No one else but Paolo Rossi, the jester par excellence, could bring to the stage Mistero Buffo, the play by Dario Fo, which was inspired by the apocryphal gospels and by a number of popular tales about the life of Jesus.

Both Fo and Rossi are jesters without courts and without churches, but they are physically different. Despite this, both have always been faithful supporters of the desecrating role, and, therefore, moral aspect of theatre.

Paolo Rossi, if Jesus came to Italy today, what would he say?
“First, we have to consider whether Minister Maroni would let him in. I doubt it.”

And if he did?
“We’d take too long to recognise him.”

Why has Mistero Buffo been, and why does it continue to be so successful?
“Because it’s revival theatre, it plays on people’s feelings. The apocryphal gospels, which the play was based on, came from a collective experience of the people. The audience can see themselves in the simplicity of life as it’s portrayed.”

What do you think of the Pope and of his latest overtures with respect to topics that were once considered to be untouchable?
“I think that the upper spheres of the church are a long way from the people and from real life. It’s no accident that they’ve never acknowledged the message of Saint Francis of Assisi.”

Do you think theatre still has a moral purpose?
“Yes, I do. Just think of television programmes like “RAI per una notte” and “Vieni via con me”; their style is purely theatrical, even though they use different media, the Internet and television. The live animal will never die.”

One of your comments has gone down in history. You said, “The State is a cancer that is spreading into the Mafia.” After everything we’ve seen, including the statements by Ciancimino, does that cancer still have a chance?
“That comment came from my observations of reality. Today, it’s inconceivable to believe that, wherever there’s a large contract or a large event, and, therefore, a lot of money, there isn’t also a criminal organisation.”

So has the Mafia won?
“Let’s just say that organised crime is more organised than the State.”

Is the fact that Dario Fo has indicated you as his artistic “heir” a burden?
“Rotation in the “teatro dell’arte” is a fact of nature. This is my destiny, because I was one of his pupils.”

Do you also aspire to a Nobel Prize?
“No, I don’t. I’d prefer Inter winning the Champions Cup, even though they’re a bit late.”

With or without Beccalossi?
“With Beccalossi.”